Moodle

Moodle is a type of web based program that fits in the category of Course Management Software.

You can run your class in this software. Manage worksheets and assignments (both distribute and collect them), do asynchronous threaded discussions, chat, manage multimedia resources, share links, wiki, syllabus. If you need to run a web-based class or blended web/regular classroom, this is the tool to consider.

There are several companies that have this type of software, but Moodle is open-source and free, making it very popular. Non-profit organizations that run there own servers, can supply their teachers with this for no cost for the software.

This is one of the tools college professors are using to manage their courses. If we are preparing students to attend college, knowing how to Moodle is an excellent practical skill to teach.

There are companies that will host this for a fee; part of their fee will go towards paying for Moodle software.